Pacific Division (NHL)

Lore & Background

The Pacific Division was created in 1993 when the NHL realigned its conferences and divisions. Its original members included the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (an expansion team), along with the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, and Vancouver Canucks, all of which moved from the Smythe Division. In 1995, the Quebec Nordiques relocated to Denver and became the Colorado Avalanche, joining the division. However, in 1998, the Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers, and Vancouver Canucks were moved to the newly formed Northwest Division, while the Dallas Stars and Phoenix Coyotes joined from the Central Division.

In 2013, the Northwest Division was dissolved, and the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, and Vancouver Canucks returned to the Pacific Division. The Dallas Stars moved to the Central Division at that time. The division expanded to eight teams in 2017 with the addition of the Vegas Golden Knights as an expansion team. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of the Canada–United States border, the division was not used for the 2020–21 season; its American-based teams played in the West Division and its Canadian-based teams in the North Division. The division was reinstated in 2021 with the addition of the Seattle Kraken, and the Arizona Coyotes were moved to the Central Division to maintain eight teams per division.

Reader's Guide

The Pacific Division has been a significant part of the NHL's Western Conference since its formation in 1993. Its history reflects the league's expansion and realignment trends, including the addition of teams like the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Vegas Golden Knights, and Seattle Kraken. The division has seen several notable shifts, such as the relocation of the Quebec Nordiques to become the Colorado Avalanche and the temporary dissolution of the Northwest Division, which brought three original Pacific teams back in 2013. The division's unique status as the only one without an Original Six team underscores its role in the NHL's modern era. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary suspension of the division for the 2020–21 season, with teams split into temporary divisions based on geography. Since 2021, the Pacific Division has stabilized with eight teams, including the expansion Seattle Kraken, and continues to be a competitive grouping within the league.

Did You Know?

• The Pacific Division was formed in 1993 as part of the Western Conference in a league realignment.
• Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all eight teams were transferred into two different divisions for the 2020–21 season.